Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC) Earnings Cut Hard by UBS (NYSE:UBS)

Although UBS (NYSE:UBS) maintained their "Neutral" rating on Commercial Metals (NYSE:CMC), while looking for the fourth quarter to gradually improve, they still see some challenges, and lowered their earnings outlook and price target on the company.

UBS said, "Mgmt anticipated a breakeven Q1 vs consensus $0.17, absent LIFO, which could be a hit given CMC’s outlook for higher scrap prices into its Nov qtr. It cited seasonal weakness, continued downstream ops losses, and Croatia maintenance. We cut Q1e to $0.02 from $0.25 and 2011e to $0.65 vs $1.15 and consensus $1.30."

Commercial Metals closed level on Monday, ending at $13.88, the same as Friday's close. UBS lowered their price target on them from $16 to $15.